Review of Monmouth University's Clinical MSW Program (2025)
Jake is a Clinical Practice with Families and Children MSW student at Monmouth University’s School of Social Work.
Monmouth University’s School of Social Work is located in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Name: Jake DeLuca
LinkedIn: Jake DeLuca
Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2026
Tuition: For more information about tuition and costs, click here.
Why social work? I was motivated to pursue a career in social work because of my desire to help others. I was specifically drawn to social work, as opposed to other fields, due to the profession's holistic approach toward improving social conditions. In a class during my undergrad at Monmouth University, my professor Dr. Urbanski shared the quote "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." This quote resonated with me and embodied my motivations to pursue a career in clinical social work.
Where is your current internship? My current internship is with the Intensive Outpatient Recovery Services Program at Preferred Behavioral Health Group's Monmouth County office. I also work as a part-time employee with Preferred Behavioral Health Group's Prevention First Program, which focuses on substance use disorder prevention within Monmouth County.
What made you choose your MSW program? I was motivated to pursue my MSW at Monmouth University due to the program's commitment to social justice-based practice and its rigorous practicum placement requirements.
What was the best thing about your academic program? The most notable facet of Monmouth's MSW program is its emphasis on practicum-based learning. During my undergraduate and graduate experiences in a community-based substance use disorder prevention program, I had the privilege to interact with social work students from other higher education institutions based in New Jersey. Through conversations with these students, I learned that Monmouth's prioritization of practicum placements was not the norm; and many of my peers did not receive the same opportunities through their universities. Monmouth's commitment to practicum education enabled me to develop meaningful professional connections within the behavioral health sector of Monmouth County and opened me up to excellent learning experiences.
Who are your favorite instructors? I won't claim that I have a favorite professor, as they all utilize their unique strengths to contribute to my growth as a social work professional. A common trait that is instilled within all of Monmouth's professors is their commitment to human rights-based social work practice, and the prioritization of recognizing the systems that influence the lived experiences of clients.
What are you listening to? I had the privilege of seeing Bladee and Marietta in concert this month. I am currently listening to Bladee's Cold Visions album and Marietta's Summer Death album.
What are you currently reading? I am currently reading Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change by Stephen Rollnick and William Richard Miller, and The State and Revolution by Vladimir Lenin.
Where do you see yourself in three to five years? What are your goals? In three to five years, I hope to be working in inpatient recovery services, practicing as a Licensed Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. A personal goal of mine is to always attempt to improve the ways in which I practice. A significant principle instilled in my education at Monmouth is avoiding stagnation. My professors have consistently encouraged us to seek out additional educational opportunities and to step outside our comfort zones as a way to grow both as clinicians and as individuals.
What wisdom do you have for potential MSW students? The most important piece of advice I would share with prospective MSW students is to find an internship that challenges you. I had the privilege of spending four years as an intern/employee with Preferred Behavioral Health Group, where their focus on encouraging interns to learn and grow helped me significantly. I am someone who learns best from experience, and Monmouth's emphasis on practicum-based education helped me grow exponentially as a professional.
For more information: Click here for more information about the MSW program at Monmouth University.
Thank you, Jake!
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